In social media and consumer groups, residents of Tashkent are reporting cases of purchasing tomatoes that allegedly leave dye stains on hands and dishes.

Posts with such complaints appeared in the group "Potrebitel.Uz". Users claim to have encountered these vegetables at certain markets and retail outlets. According to buyers, washing and cutting the tomatoes leaves colored marks on surfaces and cutting boards that are difficult to remove. As evidence, they publish photos showing characteristic stains on hands and dishes.

According to agronomist experts, this practice may be an attempt to give unripe fruits a marketable appearance before sale. Specialists warn that the use of synthetic dyes poses health risks: they can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and with regular consumption, negatively affect internal organs. Additionally, tomatoes treated in this way often contain excessive amounts of chemicals used to accelerate "ripening".

In comments, users advise checking vegetables before purchase with a simple method — lightly rubbing them with a napkin or hand to ensure no traces of dye. The natural pigment of tomatoes, lycopene, is located inside cells and does not leave marks on skin or fabric upon ordinary contact with the fruit's surface. Another sign of artificial treatment may be a sharp contrast between the bright red skin and pale, unripe flesh inside.

Official authorities have not yet commented on the situation, but consumers are advised to remain vigilant and refrain from consuming products with signs of chemical treatment.

Source: podrobno.uz